The Villainess Who Was Dumped Got Married into My Family, a Mob Noble from the Frontier, and Turns Out, She's an Amazing Capable Wife? - Chapter 87: Encounter with Patricia

Chapter 87: Encounter with Patricia

“Our job is to guide people around the school facilities and show them their lodgings for today…”

I repeated what we had to do while calming my mind.

“Yes, the facilities here are better than most hotels, and the school’s security is tighter than anywhere else, so you can feel safe.”

“The underworld folks have been sneaking in repeatedly, though.”

The cheap inns in the commoners’ district, far from the school, were safer because they were far removed from the main story.

“Of course, there is no need to worry.”

Edward’s cloak fluttered as he spoke.

“We have Wendy in a uniform, undercover. If anything happens, she’ll report to me immediately.”

“I don’t care, but I’m not involved in any royal usurpation, okay?”

If the throne was successfully taken, the Aetherdam family might become a duchy at best, or at worst, be wiped out entirely.

Either way, it’s unlikely Edward will gain the throne.

Helping with that? Doing something selfish like that alone isn’t a good idea, is it?

Even if Wendy begged me, why should I care?

“If you want to survive, figure it out yourself.”

“Letting someone else clean up your mess is just like before, isn’t it?”

As Edward landed softly from a slight hover, he spoke.

“I chose this path. If death awaits, I’ll just fight against it—oh, here comes the carriage.”

A carriage carrying students from the Principality approached.

It displayed the Principality’s flag proudly as it traveled straight down the main road cutting through the circular royal capital.

The Principality was a hostile nation, frequently skirmishing with the Brave family. 

However, seeing their carriage rolling proudly through the capital without causing much of a stir was irritating.

“You’re leaking bloodlust, Brave.”

“…So are you.”

Edward, standing next to me, was also channeling his killing intent into his magical energy.

“Hmph, if they’re here to cause trouble, they wouldn’t just send regular students.”

Only non-combat personnel or students were allowed past the barriers. Therefore, it was expected that well-trained students would come for this.

Since becoming the Principality, they had gained combat experience from battles with the Brave territory. Their generals could kill even my father or brothers with ease.

“Well, showing some killing intent might be just right.”

“Heh, I’m curious to see how strong the Principality’s students are. If they’re weak, killing them under the guise of an accident won’t be a problem.”

“Fine by me. It’s their fault if they die.”

Against the Principality, killing is justified.

In fact, we should take the initiative to kill them—they are the enemy. 

With that thought, I quickly shifted my focus.

“Let’s calm down for a moment.”

I remembered what Alicia had said to me this morning.

“It’s fine to intimidate with bloodlust, but don’t kill. The student council’s main concern is for the students to enjoy the Sage Festival. That’s Alicia’s belief.”

“So, if there are elements that prevent the students from enjoying themselves, it’s okay to kill them, right?”

“That’s right. Let’s go with that.”

If there’s a flirtatious guy, execute him immediately.

If someone causes trouble, execute them immediately. 

If there’s someone suspicious, execute them immediately.

“Well, for now, let’s go welcome them.”

If the Principality was planning a coup and they were involved, then it was a smart move for Edward and me to be the ones to welcome them first.

The carriage stopped in front of us, and someone peeked out from behind the window curtain.

“My, it’s been a while, Edward.”

It was Patricia Kindred. 

She had her original black hair with white streaks, instead of her previously dyed blonde hair.

Ignoring me completely, Patricia smiled slightly and spoke to Edward.

“Nice haircut. You look more handsome than before.”

“Patricia… Ha, you’ve changed too.”

Edward stared at Patricia, then let out a short laugh and replied.

“No, maybe this is the real you. There’s no trace of that delicate air that made me want to protect you. Now, you seem tough enough to survive anywhere on your own.”

Since the first term, everything about them had changed—their appearance, their atmosphere, everything. 

What exactly caused this transformation?

Instead of a lively reverse harem group, they now seemed like childhood friends who had gone their separate ways. 

Considering their actual meeting dated back to their early childhood, this wasn’t entirely wrong.

“And the one next to you is the third son of the Brave family, right?”

Patricia shifted her gaze from Edward to me.

“This is the first time we’re talking, right? Nice to meet you, Ragna.”

“Let me get straight to the point.”

I asked, smiling at Patricia.

“What is your purpose, Patricia Kindred?”

“Purpose?”

She tilted her head slightly as she answered.

“You’re asking a dangerous question without even trying to hide your killing intent? I’m just here as a guest from the Principality to enjoy the Sage Festival.”

“That’s a lie.”

I activated a barrier, surrounding only the carriage she was in, just like I did with Wendy. Patricia seemed to notice and stared at me without letting her guard down.

“You know, a war is about to break out?”

“The Brave family has always been at war with your people.”

As I responded, she sighed and snapped her fingers.

“What a troublesome man. I don’t have time to deal with you right now, and you don’t have time to deal with me, either, do you?”

“…”

Within the barrier’s space, I felt a powerful force breaking through from the inside.

The barrier collapsed, and Edward, who had been caught and immobilized, was freed. He kneeled, sweating with relief.

“That’s always bad for the heart, Brave.”

“…How did you escape the restraint, Patricia Kindred?”

I ignored Edward and questioned her.

“Isn’t it hard to call me by my full name? You can just call me Patricia, or even Ricia if you like. That’s a nickname I use back home.”

There’s no way I could call her by a name that sounds similar to Alicia. 

Something like Patty or Kin would suit her better.

Ignoring my question, Patricia continued evasively.

“If you don’t let me go soon, others will get suspicious and come to check. Your job is to guide us around, isn’t it?”

Being told that we couldn’t complain if the students from the Principality mocked us, I decided to let it go and proceed with the tour. 

Anyway, if she’s staying at this academy, there will be plenty of chances to talk.

“Go ahead. But don’t think the Principality can do as it pleases in front of me.”

“Is that so? Thank you. Well, considering the relationship between the Principality and the Kingdom, something might happen, but—”

As she left, Patricia said,

“—it has nothing to do with me.”

◇

Patricia left in a dramatic fashion, but it’s our job to guide her and the other students around the academy facilities, so we joined her again.

“We’ll have plenty of time to talk, Patricia Kindred.”

“Indeed, your exit was quite flashy, but our job includes dealing with the Principality’s students after their arrival.”

“…”

Patricia looked visibly annoyed as Edward and I flanked her on both sides.

“Well then, esteemed guests from the Principality, let’s enjoy the Sage Festival together.”

“Heh, leave the escorting to me. The day has finally come when I can use the ultimate escort plan I devised just for you. It’s nothing short of divine intervention.”

“Annoying.”

It’s annoying, isn’t it?

I don’t know what you’re thinking, but Edward has become the most irritating idiot right now. 

Whatever you’re planning, it’s useless.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by the annoyance attack.